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Control

Bio-pic ponders the short life of Joy Division's Ian Curtis

By Geoff Berkshire

October 10, 2007

Critic's Rating:

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Follows the tragic life of Joy Division lead singer Ian Curtis (newcomer Sam Riley) from his teen years in North-East England to his suicide at the age of 23. Curtis found success with the band but was tortured by epilepsy and his conflicting love for two women—his loving wife Debbie (Samantha Morton) and alluring Belgian journalist Annik (Alexandra Maria Lara).

Big question: Does this welcome look at an influential band avoid musician bio-pic clichés?

Catch it: Director Anton Corbijn met and photographed Joy Division back in the ‘70s, giving him a first hand knowledge that helps ensure the film’s authenticity (as does its source material—a biography written by Curtis’ wife). Corbijn’s keen eye is also a big plus, the movie’s elegant black-and-white visuals avoid MTV-style flash while still making a vibrant impression.

Skip it: Unfortunately, the film’s deliberate pace makes it a long sit for anyone who’s not already a hardcore fan of Joy Division. Riley and Morton’s performances are strong but Curtis’ bandmates remain thinly drawn throughout. That becomes even more frustrating as long stretches of screen time pass without very much happening.

Bottom line: A gorgeous and well-acted movie that doesn’t have quite enough substance to sustain its two hour running time.

Bonus: Riley, who fronts the band 10,000 Things off-screen, also had a small role in “24 Hour Party People,” another film that featured Joy Division. He played Mark E. Smith, lead singer of The Fall.